Karnataka Style Harive Soppu Bendi Recipe (Amaranth Leaves Cooked in Coconut Broth)
Harive Soppu Bendi, a traditional Karnataka-style dish, is a delightful and nutritious recipe made from amaranth leaves cooked in a coconut-based broth. The term “Bendi” refers to the broth in Kannada, and the dish is a flavorful yet simple concoction perfect for the warmer months. This recipe is mildly spiced, making it easy on the tummy, and is packed with essential nutrients.
Amaranth leaves, or “Harive Soppu,” are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, making this dish an excellent addition to your diet. The freshly prepared coconut paste enhances the flavor, and the south Indian tempering adds a distinctive aroma and taste. This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, a tangy tamarind rasam, a vegetable side, and crispy elai vadam for a wholesome weekday lunch.
Ingredients for Harive Soppu Bendi (Amaranth Leaves in Coconut Broth)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Amaranth Leaves | 1 bunch, roughly chopped |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli | 1 |
| Jaggery (crushed) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Instructions for Making Harive Soppu Bendi
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Prep the Amaranth Leaves: Begin by cleaning the green amaranth leaves thoroughly, removing any dirt, and roughly chopping them. Set them aside for later.
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Prepare the Coconut Paste: In a mixer grinder, add the grated coconut, cumin seeds, and green chilli. Grind them together with a little water to form a smooth paste. Set the paste aside for the next step.
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Cook the Amaranth Greens: In a saucepan, add the chopped amaranth leaves along with 2 cups of water and the crushed jaggery. Cook the leaves on medium heat until they wilt, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the Coconut Paste: Once the amaranth leaves have softened, add the prepared coconut paste to the pan. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
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Season the Broth: Add salt to taste and stir the broth to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Once the mixture is well-blended and has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat and set aside.
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Prepare the Tadka (Tempering): Heat the oil in a small frying pan or tadka pan. Add the mustard seeds and white urad dal, allowing them to splutter. Once they start spluttering, add the dry red chilli, asafoetida (hing), and curry leaves. Let the tempering crackle for a few seconds to release the aroma.
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Add the Tadka to the Dish: Immediately pour the hot tempering over the amaranth coconut mixture, mixing it gently. This will infuse the dish with a burst of flavor and fragrance.
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Serve: Transfer the Harive Soppu Bendi to a serving bowl and serve it hot. This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice, a bowl of Mysore-style tamarind rasam (Hunase Saaru), a simple vegetable curry (Gorikayi Palya), and crispy elai vadam for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips
- Amaranth Leaves: If you cannot find amaranth leaves, you can substitute with other leafy greens like spinach or kale, though the flavor may differ slightly.
- Coconut Paste: Fresh coconut adds a rich, authentic flavor to this dish, but if fresh coconut is unavailable, you can use desiccated coconut. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to your taste.
- Jaggery: The jaggery in this dish adds a mild sweetness that balances the spices. If you prefer, you can substitute it with a small amount of brown sugar, though jaggery offers a unique flavor.
This Karnataka-style Harive Soppu Bendi recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the bounty of fresh greens and the rich flavors of coconut broth. The perfect dish for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.
Enjoy this easy-to-make and healthy dish, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a wholesome vegetarian recipe that’s both flavorful and filling.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: Light and fluffy steamed rice pairs perfectly with the mild flavors of the Harive Soppu Bendi.
- Hunase Saaru (Spicy Tamarind Rasam): Add a tangy and spicy note to your meal with this Mysore-style tamarind rasam.
- Gorikayi Palya: A vegetable stir-fry that complements the richness of the coconut broth.
- Elai Vadam: For a crispy, traditional South Indian touch, serve this dish with homemade or store-bought elai vadam.
This recipe embodies the essence of Karnataka cuisine—simple, fresh, and full of flavor!
